RCMP probes rash of downtown Iqaluit break-ins, thefts

An RCMP vehicle parked in front of the Parnaivik building in Iqaluit Oct. 15. Businesses and organizations located there suffered break-ins and thefts around the end of the Thanksgiving weekend, on Oct 13 or 14. (PHOTO BY THOMAS ROHNER)

Police in Iqaluit are investigating a series of break-ins and thefts around the city’s downtown core this month.

RCMP spokesperson Yvonne Niego said that thieves have broken into six businesses and offices in Iqaluit’s downtown area.

The most recent incident took place at the end of the Thanksgiving long weekend: a break-in at the Parnaivik building believed to have occurred on or after Oct. 14.

Thieves broke into multiple offices, including those of the Uqsuq Corp., where they took two of the organization’s laptop computers.

Staff who work at the building said thieves walked off with artwork from other offices at Parnaivik, which houses space used by various government departments, local organizations, and retail businesses.

Niego said it’s too early to say if the same people are responsible for all break-ins around that area.

But police say those responsible are likely experienced and suggested they used disguises to hide their identities from security cameras and tools to open locked doors.

The RCMP are asking Iqalungmiut to keep their eyes open for suspicious behaviour and to alert police to any possible break-ins by calling 979-0123.

“These break-ins have an impact on private businesses and the whole community,” Niego said.